The Ford Fiesta has been a hugely popular car choice in the UK for years. According to research, in 2021, it was the second most popular car in the UK, coming in just behind the Vauxhall Corsa.
With their timelessly modern design, quality interiors and overall practicality, it is easy to see why they are a go-to for motorists across the country. When in the process of buying a new or used car, it's important to find out more about the car specs and compare with other similar-sized cars to find the car that suits your budget and needs.
In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the Ford Fiesta and how it measures up against the similarly popular Toyota Aygo.
Click the links below to jump to that section:
See how the two cars compare before we look into them in more detail.
Read more about the engine sizes available to choose the best car for you.
Want to know more about what you can expect to see inside your new car?
Learn more about how both cars look and how they compare.
Make a final decision on which car is best for you.
First impressions
The history of the Ford Fiesta dates back to the early 1970s, with the first models being sold in the UK in 1977. Ford's first MK1 Fiesta model struck a chord with the public as it offered exactly what many British households needed: a car that was affordable to buy and run. After soaring in popularity for decades and going through many redesigns and generations, the final MK8 was launched in 2017.
In comparison, the Toyota Aygo is much newer. The first-generation Aygo was launched in 2005, aimed at providing a car for city drivers. Much like the Ford Fiesta, it proved affordable to maintain and insure, making it a much-loved favourite in the UK. The Toyota Aygo has gone through various redesigns and updates have continued into 2022. In 2021, the model was changed to the Toyota Aygo X which transforms the range from a city car to a small crossover.
Engine sizes
Ford Fiesta
With such an extensive history, the Ford Fiesta is available in several different trim levels or models. Each model will offer a slightly different engine size.
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Engine Size
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0-60 (seconds)
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1.25-litres
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13.3
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1.6-litres
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10.5
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EcoBoost 1.1-litre petrol
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9.9
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Ford now also offers mild hybrid options, which can provide better fuel economy and lower emissions. The Ford Fiesta’s diesel engine was discontinued in 2022 so you’ll have to look at older used models if this is the fuel type you’re looking for.
Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo keeps a small 1-litre engine across all of its trims. Depending on the spec you choose, it can take anywhere between 13.8 and 15.2 seconds to go from 0-62mph.
As a result, the Ford Fiesta has a marginally faster acceleration time. You will find that the Toyota Aygo’s small engine makes it an affordable car to insure and run.
Interior features and key differences
Steering wheel
Ford Fiesta: the steering wheel measures around 14 inches in diameter and modern trims have buttons to conveniently control music volume levels and answer incoming calls.
Toyota Aygo: like the Ford Fiesta, modern specs have a touchscreen entertainment system. However, the key difference is that the Toyota Aygo does not come with a built-in navigation system.
In-car infotainment
Ford Fiesta: modern and higher-spec trim levels come with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple Carplay, built-in SatNav, auto high beam and cruise control. Older versions will still feature a range of entertainment options with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Toyota Aygo: like the Ford Fiesta, modern specs have a touchscreen entertainment system. However, the key difference is that the Toyota Aygo does not come with a built-in navigation system.
Climate control
Ford Fiesta: some Ford Fiesta models include an automatic climate system that automatically controls the temperature, air distribution and airflow in the car.
Toyota Aygo: does not come with the same complex climate control as the Ford Fiesta. However, it does have standard air conditioning features.
Seats
Ford Fiesta: Ford Fiesta models have five seats, with modern Fiestas featuring improved space in the back.
Toyota Aygo: this car has a four-seat capacity making the Ford Fiesta a more practical option for larger families.
Boot space
Ford Fiesta: the boot space within Ford Fiestas has changed very little through the years. Each model boasts 192 litres of boot space, giving 119 more with the two back seats folded down.
Toyota Aygo: boot space significantly drops with this vehicle. The Toyota Aygo has a narrow boot capacity of 168 litres.
Styling and exterior features
Ford has stuck to a recognisable design throughout the many iterations of the Fiesta. More recent trims are sleek, sporty and have a modern feel. While the Fiesta remains a small car, it’s not as small as the earliest versions and is perfect for driving around town.
Beyond the exteriors and beneath the hood, one of the top engine picks of the Ford Fiesta is the 1.0-litre Ecoboost. It makes the vehicle economical, less expensive to tax, and quieter than competitor engines. The Ecoboost engine is available with 99bhp, 123bhp and 153bhp. The Ford Fiesta is also extremely fuel-efficient, hence its timeless popularity. It holds an impressive 40-66mpg rating and can hold up to 43 litres of fuel in its tank.
The new Toyota Aygo X features sharp angles and creases in the bodywork which are reminiscent of the previous models. An added curved rear light and two-tone bodywork provide an updated look for this newer model.
In summary
The Toyota Aygo models are fairly boxy and compact. What makes the Aygo so popular is its functionality as the perfect city car. It provides a huge level of ease when it comes to parking and manoeuvring that simply cannot be found with competitor cars.
With Toyota Aygo you are limited to the "one size fits all" 1-litre engine that is found in each of its models. The only variation is the 1.4-litre diesel engine model. This is however a key feature to the Aygo's appeal, as it remains inexpensive to insure and run. The Toyota Aygo holds a competitive fuel consumption of 54-69mpg and can hold 35 litres of fuel.
Both the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Aygo make very practical and affordable everyday cars. The Ford Fiesta, however, beats the Aygo in a few key areas. The Ford Fiesta will give you more power, space and high-tech options.
We offer a range of new and used Ford Fiestas at TC Harrison Ford. Contact your local dealership to find out more.